Loiza

(loo-EE-zah)

Loíza is known as "El Pueblo de la Cacica".
Loíza was proclaimed a town officially in 1692
and named in honor of Yuisa or Luisa, one of the women
caciques on the island when the Spanish conquerors arrived.
It was not until 1719 that the Spanish government declared it as an official town.
It was founded by Gaspar de Arredondo.

Settled by Nigerian slaves of the Yoruba tribe in the 16th century,
Loíza is a center for African-inspired traditions,
retaining one of the highest percentages of African descendants of all
island towns. Among those traditions Loíza celebrates the "Fiestas
Patronales" where salsa dancing, masquerades, colorful parades and rich
Puerto Rican food make this festival a classic. The nine days of this
carnival pay homage to Loízas patron saint, St. James.

Loíza is a great place to sample the Puerto Rican variety of
Afro-Caribbean cuisine.

Every July Loíza host the very popular St. Jaime's Carnival. This colorful carnival-like
celebration features costumes, masks, parades, and bomba dancers, along kiosks selling
crafts and traditional food. The event reflects the African and Spanish heritage and traditions.

Its San Patricio Church (begun in 1645) is the oldest on the
island still active as a parish church.

Loíza is located in the northeastern coast,
north of Canóvanas; east of Carolina; and west of Río Grande.

The surrounding areas produces sugar cane, fruits, and coconuts.

There are many well-known "loiceños", among them:
Ramón Suarez and Belen Zequeria de Cuevas.

Things to See and Do In Loiza

Festivals and Events

Fiestas Patronales de San Patricio - March
Salsa dancing, masquerades, colorful parades and rich Puerto Rican food make this festival a classic.

St. James Festival - July
This annual folk and religious ceremony honors St. James the Apostle. The jubilant carnival-like celebration features costumes, masks, parades, and bomba dancers, and reflects the African and Spanish heritage.

Symbols

The flag is tricolor featuring undulating stripes in red, gold and green.
A bell tower decorates the red area and symbolizes the Christian tradition.

The local patron St. James on his horse is displayed prominently in the coat of arms.
The wavy bar symbolizes the Rio Grande de Loiza river. The crown symbolizes the local woman chief Luysa, after which the town is named. The bordure shows some flames, symbolizes the Holy Spirit. The trebols symbolizes the other local patron saint, St. Patrick of Ireland.

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